UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

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Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a hope

UNICEF Madagascar is committed to improving the well-being and rights of children, particularly those in underserved and vulnerable communities. To achieve this, the organization relies on precise financial management and the effective use of resources across its health, nutrition, education, and WASH programs. As part of this mission, UNICEF Madagascar is seeking a Programme Budget Officer to ensure that financial resources are used effectively, transparently, and in alignment with program objectives.

Through meticulous budget planning, monitoring, and reporting, the Programme Budget Officer will play a critical role in ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently to support UNICEF’s interventions in health and other programmatic areas. By conducting thorough financial analysis and making strategic decisions on fund allocation, the Programme Budget Officer directly contributes to optimizing program outcomes. This ensures that resources are maximized, enabling UNICEF Madagascar to extend its reach to more children in need, particularly in remote or disadvantaged communities, where resources are often limited.

The Programme Budget Officer’s work will also support the sustainability of UNICEF's interventions in Madagascar. Their ability to manage financial resources effectively and transparently ensures that programs are implemented successfully and that their impact is maximized. Ultimately, this role is vital in advancing UNICEF’s goal of realizing children’s rights and ensuring their long-term well-being in Madagascar.

How can you make a difference? 

UNICEF Madagascar is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Programme Budget Officer to support the efficient management and implementation of its health and WASH programs. In this role, the successful candidate will work under the general supervision of the Chief Health Section, providing technical assistance for program design, planning, and implementation, as well as supporting the management and evaluation of program activities. This will include monitoring the allocation and expenditure of funding, ensuring accountability, and reporting on the use of funds with proper justification.

Key role and responsibilities

• Knowledge Management

  • Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting on program budgets and funding.
  • Contribute to the Knowledge Networks and share lessons learned.
  • Support training and information exchange with partners.

• Program Development and Management

  • Provide technical support in program analysis, development, and monitoring.
  • Prepare work plans and propose adjustments based on needs.
  • Suggest program improvements and new approaches.

• Optimal Use of Funds

  • Monitor program implementation and ensure budget compliance.
  • Oversee fund allocation, disbursement, and utilization.
  • Recommend actions to optimize resource use.

• Program Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Conduct field visits and recommend corrective actions.
  • Contribute to program evaluations and reports.
  • Participate in annual sector reviews with government partners.

• Results-Based Management

  • Support rights-based program approaches and strategy development.
  • Ensure synergies in planning and design using results-based management.
  • Provide technical advice on program execution and resource use.

• Capacity Building and Sustainability

  • Assist in training and building the capacity of local and national partners.
  • Promote program sustainability through long-term partnerships.

• Advocacy

  • Advocate for children's and women's rights at community, national, and family levels.
  • Promote UNICEF’s objectives through advocacy and communication.

• Partnership and Coordination

  • Facilitate collaboration with UN and national partners.
  • Coordinate with Operations for financial and program management.
  • Maintain close collaboration with regional and headquarters teams.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: [ GJP Budget Officer.pdf]

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: First university degree from an accredited institution or equivalent in one or more of the following relevant disciplines: social sciences, international relations, government, public administration, public policy, social policy, social development, community development, or other discipline(s) relevant to international development assistance in this field.

• Work Experience: At least 2 years of relevant work experience is required (professional experience in public programmes financial, budget and grant management...)
• Skills: Experience in an international organization and/or large corporation is preferred. · Experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel is an asset. 
• Language Requirements: Fluency in French is required. Good knowledge of English as working language is an asset.

Desirables:

• Familiarity with emergency is an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.